Has A Bike Ever Made You Want To Give Up Riding?

scott_k2003 wrote:

Have you ever owned a bike that has made you seriously consider giving up riding? Maybe because you did not gel with the ergonomics, the suspension...

Have you ever owned a bike that has made you seriously consider giving up riding? Maybe because you did not gel with the ergonomics, the suspension, power, whatever the case - it just kind of sucked the fun out of riding to the point you were left questioning why you are even doing it anymore? 

The reason I am asking is, I am trying to determine if I have lost that passion for the sport now or if the bike is the main culprit. 

Bit of back story for context. I got back into riding 2 years ago when my kids (now 11 and 14) showed an interest in riding. I raced 125 and 250 Intermediate/B in my youth and gave it up in the late 90's when I left for the military and basically started my adult life. I am 43 now. All my experience having been on 2-strokes and being unfamiliar with the 4-stroke era, I started on an '18 FC350 and a '19 KX450 so I could compare the two. It was clearly evident that I lacked the fitness for the 450 after having gone soft. The 350 seemed like a good fit with the limited hours I put on it. But it needed some ergo work at 6'4 and suspension work. So, I figured, why invest into an older bike so I traded in both KX and FC for a new GG MC350F. Spent a bunch of money on it thinking I would own it for several years and wanted to make it mine. After about 20 hours on it, I am just not enjoying myself.

I do not like the front forks. I feel like I am always chasing a comfortable setting. I get them dialed in on one track and then find them harsh or unsettled on a different track. I do not have confidence in the bike. I wanted to give the forks a fair chance to break-in and for me to learn their adjustability. Some of the issue is I am slower rider these days, and lots of tracks I ride are hard and choppy with lots of squared edge bumps. I do not think investing in a spring conversion or a revalve is really going to bring me anymore satisfaction and I am reluctant to spend any more on the bike. The rear spring was changed out early for my weight (230 with gear). Sag is correct. Played with every variation of fork air pressure.

At this point, I think the last thing to try is changing over a Japanese 250F. I have realized that I do not need more power than a current 250F for my needs. An easy to manage bike with nice plush suspension that can be firmed up as I gain speed and increase my fitness is what I need. And I guess if I continue to feel the same way after doing so, then it comes down to a loss of interest.

I do not even find myself getting excited at the prospect of getting out to a track and riding like I used to. I enjoy taking my kids, but I almost get overcome with a sense of anxiousness sometimes and it feels like more of inconvenience and effort for me to want to pay, get geared up, pull my bike out of the trailer to go ride with them. I don't know if I have just become really lazy and out of shape to where it feels like such a chore - or I just truly don't feel the excitement anymore as a result of lost enthusiasm. 

I should note for reference, we own snowmobiles and SxS's and do a lot of both outside of motocross. So, I am not a completely useless couch potato.

Anyways, long winded post here. Will probably get some hate for it. But curious to hear from some of the fellow vet guys if you have experienced similar situation and can relate. 

lostboy819 wrote:

To me it sounds like the OP is looking for a reason to quit. 

scott_k2003 wrote:

Have you ever owned a bike that has made you seriously consider giving up riding? Maybe because you did not gel with the ergonomics, the suspension...

Have you ever owned a bike that has made you seriously consider giving up riding? Maybe because you did not gel with the ergonomics, the suspension, power, whatever the case - it just kind of sucked the fun out of riding to the point you were left questioning why you are even doing it anymore? 

The reason I am asking is, I am trying to determine if I have lost that passion for the sport now or if the bike is the main culprit. 

Bit of back story for context. I got back into riding 2 years ago when my kids (now 11 and 14) showed an interest in riding. I raced 125 and 250 Intermediate/B in my youth and gave it up in the late 90's when I left for the military and basically started my adult life. I am 43 now. All my experience having been on 2-strokes and being unfamiliar with the 4-stroke era, I started on an '18 FC350 and a '19 KX450 so I could compare the two. It was clearly evident that I lacked the fitness for the 450 after having gone soft. The 350 seemed like a good fit with the limited hours I put on it. But it needed some ergo work at 6'4 and suspension work. So, I figured, why invest into an older bike so I traded in both KX and FC for a new GG MC350F. Spent a bunch of money on it thinking I would own it for several years and wanted to make it mine. After about 20 hours on it, I am just not enjoying myself.

I do not like the front forks. I feel like I am always chasing a comfortable setting. I get them dialed in on one track and then find them harsh or unsettled on a different track. I do not have confidence in the bike. I wanted to give the forks a fair chance to break-in and for me to learn their adjustability. Some of the issue is I am slower rider these days, and lots of tracks I ride are hard and choppy with lots of squared edge bumps. I do not think investing in a spring conversion or a revalve is really going to bring me anymore satisfaction and I am reluctant to spend any more on the bike. The rear spring was changed out early for my weight (230 with gear). Sag is correct. Played with every variation of fork air pressure.

At this point, I think the last thing to try is changing over a Japanese 250F. I have realized that I do not need more power than a current 250F for my needs. An easy to manage bike with nice plush suspension that can be firmed up as I gain speed and increase my fitness is what I need. And I guess if I continue to feel the same way after doing so, then it comes down to a loss of interest.

I do not even find myself getting excited at the prospect of getting out to a track and riding like I used to. I enjoy taking my kids, but I almost get overcome with a sense of anxiousness sometimes and it feels like more of inconvenience and effort for me to want to pay, get geared up, pull my bike out of the trailer to go ride with them. I don't know if I have just become really lazy and out of shape to where it feels like such a chore - or I just truly don't feel the excitement anymore as a result of lost enthusiasm. 

I should note for reference, we own snowmobiles and SxS's and do a lot of both outside of motocross. So, I am not a completely useless couch potato.

Anyways, long winded post here. Will probably get some hate for it. But curious to hear from some of the fellow vet guys if you have experienced similar situation and can relate. 

scott_k2003 wrote:

Thanks for the insightful replies and sharing your experiences. It has helped frame my current state of mind and feelings towards riding, knowing that others have...

Thanks for the insightful replies and sharing your experiences. It has helped frame my current state of mind and feelings towards riding, knowing that others have went through similar experiences.

I genuinely think it is a combination of two factors. One is not enjoying the bike, although on paper it should be near perfect. And secondly is the struggle of getting back that speed, technique and endurance from years ago, which truthfully will never return at this point in my life at 43. I want to change my approach to being on a bike I am thoroughly enjoying in order to just enjoy the experience and have fun - and let what speed, stamina, strength and technique does return, come with time. 

It did solidify my decision to sell the GasGas and move onto something I am truly happy with. At least I gave it a fair try - and in my opinion, at my age, if after 20 hours I can't make the bike enjoyable, then no point in spending any more time on it.   

bionic218 wrote:

Yes, but it was a street bike. 1997 Suzuki TL1000S (The Japanese attempt to copy the success - at that time - of the Ducati's style)...

Yes, but it was a street bike. 1997 Suzuki TL1000S (The Japanese attempt to copy the success - at that time - of the Ducati's style).

Freaking terrifying handling. I had more tank slappers than I had on my 96 RM, and if you had a 96 RM you've had your share. It was a surprisingly lovable bike aside from that. Sweetheart of a motor.

* For the Ducatzis out there bursting a blood vessel becasue "it wasn't a copy! it wasn't a dry clutch! it wasn't a desmo!"

Just calm the hell down. I said "style" not engineering. It was a big bore v twin sport bike on a trellis frame and they painted it bright red. I stand by my claim. 

OldTech wrote:

That rotary rear shock was a major problem, and un fixable! First attempt at fuel injection and we were sending the ECM back to get re...

That rotary rear shock was a major problem, and un fixable! First attempt at fuel injection and we were sending the ECM back to get re flashed monthly...

bionic218 wrote:

Yes, but it was a street bike. 1997 Suzuki TL1000S (The Japanese attempt to copy the success - at that time - of the Ducati's style)...

Yes, but it was a street bike. 1997 Suzuki TL1000S (The Japanese attempt to copy the success - at that time - of the Ducati's style).

Freaking terrifying handling. I had more tank slappers than I had on my 96 RM, and if you had a 96 RM you've had your share. It was a surprisingly lovable bike aside from that. Sweetheart of a motor.

* For the Ducatzis out there bursting a blood vessel becasue "it wasn't a copy! it wasn't a dry clutch! it wasn't a desmo!"

Just calm the hell down. I said "style" not engineering. It was a big bore v twin sport bike on a trellis frame and they painted it bright red. I stand by my claim. 

OldTech wrote:

That rotary rear shock was a major problem, and un fixable! First attempt at fuel injection and we were sending the ECM back to get re...

That rotary rear shock was a major problem, and un fixable! First attempt at fuel injection and we were sending the ECM back to get re flashed monthly...

bionic218 wrote:

When the first factory recall is to install a steering damper, you know you've got issues.